The ITU introduces a new triathlon format for times

The ITU has announced the introduction of a new and innovative competition format for the 2016 calendar. This year, the Kitzbühel World Cup debuts with a time classification format in which athletes will compete twice on the same day.

"Kitzbühel is famous among our triathletes for its innovative formats, "Said Marisol Casado, ITU President and Member of the IOC. "In 2013, the athletes faced their most strenuous race to date, in which they climbed and ran on Kitzbühel Horn Mountain, as part of the World Triathlon Series. We continue to explore ways for our sport to evolve, testing exciting formats. It is a pleasure to see a new form in a city like Kitzbühel, always at the forefront of sports. "

The time trial will take place in the morning and will be played in 2 / 3 of the sprint distance (0,5 k Swim / 13,2 k Bike / 3,2 k Run) . Athletes start at intervals of 30 seconds. Those who achieve the 30 best times will qualify to the final that will be played on the same day.

 The final competition will be a super sprint triathlon (0,3 k Swim / 8,8 k Bike / 2 k Run) where all the triathletes will come out at the same time .. 

The time classification format allows the participation of more athletes, as they come out one by one. The race has a dynamic, fast time that provides a platform for the youth and Sub23 athletes to prepare for the jump to the elite competition. 

"I would like to extend thanks to the ITU team because it allows us to work in such a format, "Said Walter Zettinig, President of the Austrian Triathlon. "We hope that the Kitzbühel World Cup will have an excellent organization again. "

While the Kitzbühel World Cup will be held after the Olympic qualifying period closes, this fast and furious format will be ideal for athletes to test their speed for the Rio Games.  

"We are confident that this format will enhance the performance capacity of individuals,"Said Herwig Grabner, Director of the LOC. "The shorter distance of the finals will be extremely attractive to broadcast on television, this will allow us to show the audience how fast and attractive our sport is. "

Kitrbuhel World Cup http://www.triathlon.org/events/event/2016_kitzbuhel_itu_triathlon_world_cup

Photo: ITU